The much hyped T-Mobile G1 handset will hit the market next month, but its in my eyes, it has a major obstacle to overcome – the overwhelming lack of a 3G network to operate on. Â Many site AT&T’s 3G coverage (or lack) as a weakness with the iPhone 3G models, but T-Mobile’s 3G network coverage is abysmal. Â It looks like parts of Texas, New England, Atlanta and spots of California are the only lucky 3G coverage in T-Mobile’s network from examining their coverage map. Â
What makes matters worse is the fact that AT&T and T-Mobile, our nation’s only GSM network operators, aren’t on compatible 3G frequencies, so phones from one network can’t even roam onto the other provider’s network. Â While this might be nice for the network’s “customer loyalty”, its horrible for customer choice. Â It means monopoly for handsets and shackles for users. Â Lack of choice is never a good thing in any market. Â I hope that we will see this change, but incompatible networks has long been the de-facto operating stance for American phone providers. Â
For clarity sake, T-Mobile lists the following cities (look how many are Coming Soon) with 3G coverage (source):
- AtlantaÂ
- AustinÂ
- Birmingham – Coming SoonÂ
- BostonÂ
- ChicagoÂ
- DallasÂ
- Denver – Coming SoonÂ
- Detroit – Coming SoonÂ
- HoustonÂ
- Kansas City – Coming SoonÂ
- Las VegasÂ
- Los AngelesÂ
- Memphis – Coming SoonÂ
- MiamiÂ
- MinneapolisÂ
- New YorkÂ
- OrlandoÂ
- PhiladelphiaPhoenixÂ
- PortlandÂ
- Sacramento – Coming SoonÂ
- San DiegoÂ
- San FranciscoÂ
- SeattleÂ
- Tampa – Coming Soon
